Information Device

ABSTRACT

A device for obtaining, storing and displaying information from a remote server, the device has a modem for establishing communication sessions with the remote server. A memory coupled to the modem stores the obtained information, and a display is coupled to the memory for displaying the stored information. The device automatically and periodically communicates with the remote server for obtaining the information.

This is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser. No.12/889,886, filed on Sep. 24, 2010, which is a continuation ofapplication Ser. No. 12/358,551, filed on Jan. 23, 2009, which is acontinuation of Ser. No. 11/506,907, filed on Aug. 21, 2006, which isitself a continuation of parent application Ser. No. 11/017,060 filed onDec. 21, 2004, which claims priority from IL Patent Application No.159838 filed on Jan. 31, 2004.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates information devices. More specifically, theinvention relates to a method, device and system for obtaininginformation from a remote location to an information device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In modern life there is a continuous need for updated information, suchas weather forecasts, traffic reports, stock market quotes, sportsresults and general news. Such information may be obtained in variousways using many types of media and communication means. Suchcommunication means may include physical delivery such as newspapers, orusing networking such as landline telephony, cellular telephony, radioand television. The Internet is gradually being recognized as animportant, reliable and rich source of information.

In order to obtain updated information, and specifically to obtainspecific information required by a specific user, the user is requiredto actively and repetitively seek for the information. For example, inorder to get the weather forecast via the television the user isrequired to turn on the television set, select a weather channel andwatch until the relevant information appears on the screen. Using theInternet to obtain a weather forecast requires turning on a computer,connecting to the Internet, running a web browser and selecting therelevant web site.

It would be more convenient to obtain and display information, andspecifically information tailored towards specific user preferences,automatically and periodically without any user intervention. U.S. Pat.No. 6,442,573 to Schiller et al. discloses an appliance whichautomatically and periodically connects to a remote server for obtaininginformation. However, the appliance and system taught by Schiller et al.is oriented towards mailing images between users being part of acommunity.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a method, deviceand system for periodically and automatically obtaining information froma remote location.

An information device according to the present invention comprises acommunication unit for connecting to the remote location, an info memoryfor storing the information obtained and a display unit for displayingthe stored obtained information. The device periodically andautomatically initiates a communication session with theinformation-storing server in the remote location, during which selectedinformation is downloaded to the information device.

The communication with the remote site may use the PSTN, to which theinformation device is connected, by a dial up modem or a cellularnetwork, to which the device connected thereto by a cellular modem.Other telephony connections or any other medium may also be employed.Connection to a telephone outlet may either use cable or be cordless. Inaddition to narrowband, any broadband connection such as ADSL or cablemodem may be employed. The communication may be direct point-to-pointconnection (such as in telephony) or via the Internet.

The information device may connect to a single remote site, oralternatively may connect to multiple such sites, such as for retrievingdistinct information from each site. The communication session may beinitiated by the information device or by the remote location. Settingsand parameters such as the telephone number to dial or the URL todownload from, the connection period interval as well as the selectionof required information may be set in production, by the user (using ondevice controls) or by the remote location.

In the case wherein the communication unit is a dial up modem orcellular modem, various means may be employed in order to avoidinterference with other devices and services using the same connection.The device may include means for delaying and stopping the callinitiation in the case wherein other devices (of higher priority)requires the connection medium.

The information device may be powered from a regular AC power, batteriesor by extracting power from the telephone connection.

The information device may be housed within a self-contained stand-aloneenclosure, or may be integrated with another appliance. In suchintegration additional functionalities may be integrated added to theshared housing. For example, the communication means may be shared, thedisplay, the control and the information memory or any combination ofthe above. As such, the information device may be integrated within atelephone set (either landline or cellular), a PDA or a television set.Similarly, the information device may share other appliances display orconnection means.

A system according to the present invention comprises one or more usersites, each employing an information device as described below, and oneor more remote sites, each comprising an information server storing theinformation to download and connection means for connecting to theinformation devices.

It is understood that other embodiments of the present invention willbecome readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the followingdetailed description, wherein are shown and described only embodimentsof the invention by way of illustration. As will be realized, theinvention is capable of other and different embodiments and its severaldetails are capable of modification in various other respects, allwithout departing from the scope of the present invention as defined bythe appended claims. Accordingly, the drawings and the detaileddescription are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not asrestrictive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention is herein described, by way of non-limiting example only,with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a functional block diagram of exemplary information deviceaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows a pictorial view of an exemplary information deviceaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary single provider system according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 4 shows a communication link in an exemplary single provider systemaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary multiple providers system according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 6 shows an exemplary flow chart to be executed by an informationdevice according to the present invention.

FIG. 6a shows a pictorial view of an exemplary operating informationdevice according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows a functional block diagram of exemplary information deviceaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows part of an exemplary flow chart to be executed by aninformation device according to the present invention.

FIG. 8a shows a functional block diagram of exemplary information deviceaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 8b shows a pictorial view of an exemplary cordless base unitaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 8c shows a pictorial view of an exemplary cordless base unitaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 9 shows a functional block diagram of exemplary information deviceaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 10 shows a pictorial view of an exemplary telephone set integratedinformation device according to the present invention.

FIG. 11 shows a functional block diagram of exemplary information deviceusing television set as a display according to the present invention.

FIG. 12 shows a functional block diagram of exemplary information deviceaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 13 shows a functional block diagram of exemplary information deviceaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 14 shows a functional block diagram of exemplary information deviceaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 15 shows a pictorial view of an exemplary cellular telephone setattachable information device according to the present invention.

FIG. 15a shows a pictorial view of an exemplary PDA attachableinformation device according to the present invention.

FIG. 15b shows a pictorial view of an exemplary PDA and cellulartelephone set attachable information device according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 16 shows a functional block diagram of exemplary information deviceaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 17 shows a functional block diagram of exemplary information deviceusing television set as a display according to the present invention.

FIG. 18 shows an exemplary flow chart to be executed by the providersite according to the present invention.

FIG. 19 shows an exemplary flow chart to be executed by an informationdevice according to the present invention.

FIG. 20 shows a chart of exemplary business entities involved with theinformation device providing and operating according to the presentinvention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following description numerous specific details are set forth inorder to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention.It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that thepresent invention may be practiced without these specific details. Inother instances, well-known features have not been described in detailso as not to obscure the invention.

The principles and operation of a device, system and method according tothe present invention may be understood with reference to the drawingsand the accompanying description. The drawings and descriptions areconceptual only. In actual practice, a single component can implementone or more functions; alternatively, each function can be implementedby a plurality of components and circuits. In the drawings anddescriptions, identical reference numerals indicate those componentsthat are common to different embodiments or configurations.

Information Device

A functional block diagram according to one or more embodiments of theinvention is shown in FIG. 1. The information device 10 shown comprisesa dial-up modem 15 for connecting the information device 10 to a remotelocation over the PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network). The dial-upmodem may use standard common protocols such as ITU-T V.34, V.90 andV.92 known in the art. The dial-up modem 15 connects to a telephoneoutlet 24 by telephone plug 22 via cable 21. The information receivedfrom the remote location is stored in the info memory 11, and displayedto the user by display means 13. The display means 13 may bealpha-numeric only or analog video display, and may use technologiessuch as LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), FED (Field Emission Display, orCRT (Cathode Ray Tube). The memory may be volatile or non-volatile type,such as Flash, DRAM and RAM. In many cases, an adaptor (not shown) isrequired in order to connect the analog display to digital data device.For example, the adaptor may convert to composite video (PAL, NTSC) orS-Video or HDTV signal. The information device 10 is powered by thelocal AC power (110 VAC in North America, 220 VAC in Europe) from astandard wall outlet 25, connected thereto by a power plug 18 and powercable 19, feeding a power supply 12 within the information device 10.The power supply converts the AC power to the various voltages, usuallyDC type, required for proper operation of the active circuits within thedevice 10. In one or more embodiments, a small outlet plug-intransformer may be used.

Operations of the information device 10 are controlled and managed by acontrol unit 14, comprising a microprocessor as known in the art.Various user controls 16 are available to allow the user to control andeffect the device 10 operations, such as on/off switch, reset button andothers. Other exemplary controls involve display 13 settings such ascontrast, brightness and zoom. Other controls may involve selectingspecific information to be shown, changing the language displayed and soforth. Various indicators 17 are available to visually indicate to theuser the status of the device 10, such as power indication showing thatthe unit is properly powered, indication when the device 10 communicateswith the remote location and so on. The control unit 14 couples to mostor all device components either for getting data and status information,or for controlling/activating the sub-systems. The control unit 14 maybe based on CPU (Central Processing Unit) such as a microprocessor ormicrocomputer, and coupling to the other components may be serial orshared bus type.

An exemplary illustrative configuration of an information device 10 isshown in FIG. 2. A ‘hanging picture’ like unit is shown, suitable forhanging on a wall using wire 23. A screen 13 serves as the displaymeans, located in the center of the unit. Four controls named ON/OFF 16a, UPDATE 16 b, UP 16 c and DOWN 16 d pushbuttons are shown as examplesof controls 16. Similarly, indicators 17 are shown as POWER indicator 17a and STATUS indicators 17 b, illustrated as a small round shapedilluminating units, such as common LEDs. A physical cables andconnectors are also shown, such as plug 18 and cable 19 connecting thedevice 10 to a power outlet and plug 22 and cable 21 connecting totelephone outlet.

Information Network.

The information device 10 connects to an information provider in aremote location for downloading information and displaying it. Anexemplary network 30 illustrating user and provider equipments is shownin FIG. 3. Single provider location comprising an information server 32a is described, serving multiple information devices 10 a, 10 b and 10c, wherein each may be located in a different premises and thus servingdifferent users. Information server 32 is any apparatus (e.g. computer)storing information and connectable to an information device 10 fortransmitting the information thereto. Each such information device, suchas device 10 a, connects to the PSTN 31 (via its dial up modem 15, cable21 and telephone connector 22 shown in FIG. 1). Similarly, theinformation server 32 a in the information provider location connects tothe PSTN 31 via dial up modem 15 a. In the case wherein the informationserver 32 a contains all the required information to send to theinformation devices 10, no other connections are required. However, inmost cases the information may not be available, thus requiring theinformation server 32 a to connect to other providers to get additionalinformation. Network 30 suggests that information server 32 a connectsto other servers 32 b, 32 c and 32 d via the Internet network 33 inorder to receive the required information. For example, server 32 b mayprovide weather related information, server 32 c may contain news andserver 32 d may contain sport results information. In this case, eachsuch server may support an Internet web page providing the dedicatedinformation, gathered by the providers' information server 32 a. Itshould be understood that any other type of communication may beemployed in order to allow the information provider to get the requiredinformation into the information server 32 a, wherein it can beretrieved by any information device 10 connected thereto via the PSTNnetwork 31.

As shown in system 40 in FIG. 4, in order to obtain information fromserver 32 a, information device 10 b (for example) communicates via thePSTN network 31 with the dial up modem 15 a, thus creating acommunication link 41, enabling data transfer between the informationdevice 10 b and server 32 a.

An alternative exemplary embodiment of a network 50 is shown in FIG. 5.In such configuration, the information device 10 directly connects tomultiple providers (or a single provider operating multiplelocations/servers). Dedicated information servers 32 b, 32 c and 32 dare connected to the PSTN 31 via respectively dial up modems 15 b, 15 eand 15 d. In such a case, information device 10 a connects one at a timeto each server 32 to receive dedicated information.

While the invention has been described above with respect to directtelephone connection between the user and the provider, it will beappreciated that any other type of connection can be used, allowing datacommunication session between the information device 10 and the providerserver 32. In the particular case where the connection uses theInternet, the user connects (through the PSTN, ISDN or any other means)to an ISP (Internet service Provider) for connection to the Internet.Similarly, the server 32 also connects the Internet, thus allowing acommunication session between the information device 10 and theinformation server 10 using the Internet.

Operational Sequence.

The operations carried out by an information device 10 are shown in FIG.6 as flow-chart 60. In most cases, the control unit 14 executes theseoperations. The general principle of operation involves periodicallycontacting the information provider server, downloading informationtherefrom, and displaying the received information. Upon powering up orfollowing device rest, the device starts at step 61. A pre-determinedconnection-time is established. In step 62, the device waits for theconnection time to expire before commencing communication. Theconnection timing may be defined and executed in various forms:

a. A fixed time-of-day (TOD). In this configuration, the device is setto communicate at a specific time of the day, preferably during thenight wherein the telephone traffic is low. For example, a device 10 canbe set to communicate on daily basis at 2.00 AM. In such a case, everyday at 2.00 AM the device will commence communication (moving to step 63in the flow chart 60). It will be obvious that the device can be set tocommunicate a plurality of times during a 24-hour day, or alternatively,to commence communication less frequently than daily, such as once aweek, once a month and so forth. In such configuration, the control unit14 within device 10 should comprise a real-time clock keeping track ofthe time, and store (preferably in non-volatile memory) the parameter ofthe time of day wherein the communication should be initiated.

b. Time interval. In this configuration, the next communication iscommenced as a fixed time interval after the last communication session.For example, an interval period of 6 hours may be selected, whereinevery 6 hours the device commences a communication session. The controlunit 14 includes a timer being reset after each communication session,and counting towards the next session until the stored period value haselapsed.

One or both the above timing mechanisms may be supported. Selection ofthe timing mechanism, as well as the values associated (time of day orperiod value), may each be selected by:

-   -   a. Production set. In this configuration, the timing mechanism        is set during production and cannot be modified later.    -   b. User set. In this scenario the user may select the timing        method (if such selection is available and is not production        set) as well as the timing value. Such programming may use the        device controls 16 or a dedicated setting interface (not shown).    -   c. Provider set. In this case the provider may, during        communication session, access and modify the device timing        mechanism.

In the case wherein multiple information servers are discussed as shownin network 50, a different timing mechanism may be associated with eachsuch server.

Upon a decision by the timing mechanism to commence a communicationsession, the device 10 shifts to step 63, in which the device dials thetelephone number of the provider. Such a number may be a toll-freenumber (1-800 in the U.S.). Upon an off-hook response from the calleddial-up modem (such as 15 a in network 30), physical layer communicationis completed, and both the calling device 10 and the called server 32start a communication session as part of step 64, during which theauthorization for information access is checked, for example. Upondecision of the server 32 to provide information, the information flowsfrom the server 32 through the PSTN to the calling device 10, as part ofstep 65, using agreed upon or standard protocol. For example, thepopular TCP/IP protocol may be used. In another one or more embodiments,the World Wide Web (WWW) system using the Internet protocol (commonlyknown as TCP/IP) is used, wherein the provider uses a web server havinga URL (Uniform Resource Locator) and the information device 10 clientsoftware is based on a common web browser such as Microsoft InternetExplorer, used to transmit and access the URL of the web site stored bythe information server. The information received is stored in the infomemory 11 of the device 10. After completing the informationdownloading, device 10 and the called server 32 end the session, asshown in step 67. At this point, the calling device 10 or the respectivecalled server 32 dial up modem 15 disconnects the call as shown in step68, thus ending the communication session. The calling device 10 thendisplays the new information received (step 69), and shifts to step 62,waiting again until the time for the next session elapse.

It will be understood that the operation sequence described aboveresults in a periodic automatic device operation to obtain and displayinformation, without the need for any manual intervention. Furthermore,the information device 10 may be operated in an ‘always on’ mode,wherein it is continuously powered and operative, obviating the need forturning it on and off.

For example, the information device may be used to get local weatherforecast. The device 10 contacts a weather server 32 daily in 5.00 AMwhile the user is asleep. Upon getting up in 6.00 AM, the device 10displays the most updated weather forecast for the day, as shown forexample in FIG. 6a , enabling the user to plan his activitiesaccordingly.

While the invention has been so far described with respect to automaticinformation obtaining without any user intervention, alternativeembodiments of the invention involve initiating a communication sessionupon a user request. For example, a button ‘UPDATE’ shown as control 16b in FIG. 2 may be used for such a function. Upon user pushing thisbutton, the information device 10 will immediately initiate acommunication session by executing step 63 in the flow chart 60, ratherthan waiting for the next scheduled communication session. In one ormore embodiments, the information device 10 initiates a communicationsession only upon user request. Yet in another one or more embodiment,both mechanisms are supported. In the latter case, a session isinitiated by either a scheduled operation or by a user request.

Information Types and Selection.

‘Public information’ is any information that is available to the generalpublic. Public information may be available for free (‘free publicinformation’), such as information available in most of the Internet WWWweb sites. Major newspapers, radio stations and television stations, aswell as other information providers frequently operate a web sitewherein updated information may be accessed. Printed newspapers andother some web sites in the Internet require payment in exchange forproviding access to the information (‘paid public information’). Publicinformation includes any information which may accessed, either for freeor for a fee.

‘Non-public information’ is information which is not included in theabove definition of public information. For example, information whichis owned by a person who is not willing to share this information withthe public, but rather to a small pre-selected group (e.g. family,friend) or with no one. The term ‘information’ as used herein includesboth public information (both free and paid) as well as non-publicinformation.

Updated information with respect to the present invention refers toinformation which was not available in the last communication session,but was created since.

Non-limiting examples of public and updated information types mayinclude any information found in periodicals such as newspapers, suchas:

-   -   Weather forecast.    -   Sport event results.    -   Stock market quotes.    -   News.    -   Traffic information.    -   Lottery results.    -   Personal ads.    -   Exchange rates.    -   Travel information.    -   Future events (sport, culture, entertainment)    -   TV/radio guide.

The term information herein includes both public information (both freeand paid) as well as non-public information. In one or more embodiment,the information includes updated information.

The information device 10 comprises inherently limited info memory 11,and a display 13 of limited visual area, and in order to reducecommunication session length, the size of the information content to bedownloaded in a single communication session is limited. Hence, in mostcases there is a need to clearly define the required information to beobtained from the server 32. Such selection can make use of:

a. No selection. In this case the user cannot select the requiredinformation, and the content is fixed and determined by the server 32settings.

b. User set. In this scenario the user may select the information toobtain. Such programming may use the device controls 16 or a dedicatedsetting interface (not shown).

c. Information provider set. In this case the information providertransmits the selected information based on the identification of thespecific information device 10.

Dial-Up Connection.

In many cases, an external telephone connection is shared between fewtelephone devices such as telephone sets, facsimile and answeringmachines and others. In the case wherein the telephone connection is inuse, for example by a person having a telephone conversation using atelephone device connected thereto, the information device 10 willinterfere with the telephone connection usage upon its trying toconnect. In order to obviate such scenario, an off-hook detector 71 isadded to the information device 70 shown in FIG. 7. The off-hookdetector 71 connects to the external telephone connection (using cable21 and connector 22) and couples to the control unit 14. Basically, theoff-hook detector 71 measures the voltage over the telephone lines.While nominally the voltage is about 40-60 VDC, in the case of anyconnected device switching to off-hook state, the voltage drops under 15VDC. As such, the information device 70 first measures the voltage overthe telephone lines by the off-hook detector 71, and if low voltage isdetected, meaning off-hook condition of a connected device, the dial-upmodem 15 operation is postponed by a pre-determined time. Most existingdial-up modems integrate the off-hook detector functionality describedabove.

The operational sequence 60 described above applies also to theinformation device 70, wherein steps 81 and 82 are added between steps62 and 63, as described in the partial flow chart 80 in FIG. 8. In step81, the device 70 checks the telephone connection status using theoff-hook detector 71. In the case wherein on-hook status is detected,the device continues to initiate the communication session. Detection ofoff-hook state will cause the device to shift to step 82, wherein thecommunication initiation is delayed by a fixed period. The time delaymay be set in the production phase, by the user or by the provider asdescribed above. In most cases, the operation of the information device10 is considered to be of low priority versus other uses of a telephoneconnection. As such, in the case wherein other devices connected to thetelephone line switch to off-hook, as is the case wherein a user picksup a telephone headset, the information device should halt its operationto allow the other device to use the telephone connection.

In one or more embodiments, the device 10 stores multiple telephonenumbers for connecting to a provider. In the case wherein a telephoneconnection cannot be obtained after a few attempts (such as due to abusy line or malfunctioning connection), the device 10 dials alternatetelephone numbers according to a predefined priority.

Cordless Connection.

As explained and shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 above, the information device 10requires two cables for proper connection, one for telephony and theother for power. Such cabling may be not aesthetic and also complicatesthe installation and operation of the device. Telephone cable may beeliminated by using non-wired telephone connection such as cellulartelephony, as will be described below. In one or more embodiments, acordless telephone scheme is used.

Cordless telephones are long known as means to eliminate the telephonecord. A cordless telephone is basically a combination of a telephone andradio transmitter/receiver, and has two major parts: a base unit and ahandset. The base is connected to the phone jack and to a power jack,and converts the telephone signals to radio frequency signals. Thehandset converts the radio frequency signals to audio signals. The radiofrequency used may be 27, 43-50, 900, 2400 or 5800 MHz, and thecommunication may use Digital Spread Spectrum (DSS) scheme.

In one or more embodiments, an ordinary cordless base unit is used. Partof the handset functionality is integrated into the information device10. In such a configuration, the dial up modem 15 communicatescordlessly with the base unit, eliminating the need for a connectingcable. Such information device 85 is shown in FIG. 8a . The dial-upmodem 15 is coupled to a radio transceiver 86, cordlessly communicatingwith the base unit (not shown) via antenna 87. In addition to the fullduplex audio/telephony carried between the device 85 and the base unit,various control signals such as on-hook, off-hook, ring, dial-tone, busytones and other telephony related signals are communicated as known inthe art. In such a way, the same functionality of corded coupling isobtained, yet without using any cable.

Cordless telephone set base units commonly employ, in addition to theradio transceiver and the telephony associated functionalities, acharger which is used to charge a rechargeable battery within thehandset. Since in most cases there may not be a direct contact betweenthe base unit and the information device 85, such charger is notrequired. As such, a dedicated base unit may be used, pictorially shownin FIG. 8h . The base unit 88 is shaped as a power outlet plug-in unit,plugged into a power outlet 25 using the power prongs 18. The base unit88 connects to the telephone outlet 24 via a cable and telephoneconnector 22, and communicates wirelessly with the information device 85via antenna 88. Similarly, the base unit may be shaped as telephoneplug-in unit 84 as shown in FIG. 8 c.

While the above cordless related apparatus and method have been so fardescribed with respect to information device 10, it will be appreciatedthat such cordless apparatuses and methods are applicable to other typesof devices, including any devices which automatically or periodicallycommunicate with a remote location.

Powering.

While the invention has been described wherein the information device isbeing AC powered, in one or more embodiments the information device 10is powered by batteries.

Other embodiments may involve extracting power from the telephone line.In most cases, only limited power may be extracted from a telephone linein an on-hook state, since the current flow is also used an off-hookindication. Such limitation is imposed by the FCC in the USA. However,in the case of a very low power consumption implementation of theinformation device 10, the allowed power may suffice for its operation.Much higher power consumption from a telephone connection may beobtained during off-hook state. Hence, the device 10 may extract powerduring its communication session or when other devices connected to thesame telephone line switch into off-hook state, as detected by theoff-hook detector 71 or any other means.

It should be understood that any combination of the above poweringschemes may be used. In one or more embodiments, a combination ofoff-hook power extraction and rechargeable batteries is used, as shownas device 90 in FIG. 9. The information device 90 connects solely to thetelephone connection via telephone connector 22, obviating the need forAC power connection 18. During off-hook state, a charger 93 (connectedto the telephone connection) is operated to extract power from thetelephone line and charge rechargeable battery 91. The battery 91 inturn feeds a power supply 92 which in turn feeds all power consumingcomponents of the device 90. Whenever off-hook state is detected bydetector 71, either initiated by the device 90 itself or by any otherdevice connected to the same telephone connection, and as long as thebattery 91 is not fully charged, power is consumed to charge the battery91.

In order not to allow the battery stored energy to be reduced below thelevel enabling proper operation of the device 90, a battery energymonitor 94 may be used. The monitor 94 detects low energy level in thebattery 91, and signals the control unit 14 accordingly. Upon detectionthat the stored power is lower than a predefined threshold, the deviceinitiates an off-hook state in order to consume power to charge thebattery. Upon the predefined energy level being restored, the devicedisconnects itself and resumes on-hook state. These ‘dial for power’powering cycles preferably coincides with the communication sessionsdescribed above. However, some embodiments may require more poweringcycles than information ones, or vice versa.

It should be understood that such the above powering mechanisms may beused in any appliance having a telephone connection, and are not limitedto the information device 90 described above. Furthermore, anycombination of the above powering schemes may be used. While the abovepowering related apparatus and method have been so far described withrespect to information device 10, it will be appreciated that suchpowering apparatuses and methods are applicable to other types ofdevices, including any devices which automatically or periodicallycommunicate with a remote location.

Appliance Integration.

While the information device 10 has been described above as astand-alone self-contained dedicated appliance, it will readily beunderstood that the device may be integrated with various otherappliances. In one exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 10, the device isintegrated into the housing of a telephone device 100. Display 13 of thedevice 10 is shown. Similarly, the information device 10 may beintegrated into any appliance, and preferably into devices which alsorequire telephone connection such as fax, answering machine and personalcomputer with dial-up modem, as well as ADSL modem and ResidentialGateway known in the art.

Several levels of integration with appliances may be implemented:

-   -   a. Mechanical integration. This type of basic level of        integration involves the housing of the device 10 and the        appliance in a single physical packaging, and sharing the same        telephone connection (if also required by the appliance). No        additional components or functionality are involved.    -   b. HMI (Human Machine Interface) sharing. In these embodiments        various HMI components are shared and are used by both the        device 10 and the other appliance. For example, the device 100        shown in FIG. 10 may share the screen 13 for displaying both        device-related information and telephone-related information        (such as Caller-ID telephone number). Similarly, telephone        numbers buttons may be doubly used as controls 16, and        dual-function visual indicators may also be used.    -   c. Information sharing. This configuration involves interface        between the device 10 and the appliance allowing for sharing at        least part of the available information. For example, the device        10 housed within the device 100 may download telephone numbers,        which are programmed into speed dialing within the telephone        set.    -   d. Full integration. In these embodiments various components are        used for both functions. For example, a processing unit within        an appliance may also implement the control unit 14        functionalities. In such a case, all or part of the above        integration levels are also implemented.

Display Appliance Integration.

In other embodiments, the device 10 uses other appliances display,preferably existing ones. Such configuration can reduce the cost,complexity and space requirements of a device 10. Common existingdisplays within premises include a personal computer screen andtelevision sets. An exemplary embodiment of the latter case is describedin FIG. 11. The information device 110 shown in the figure does notcomprise any display means 13, but rather only employ a video adapter111, connectable to any external video monitor. Such device 110 may beused with a dedicated external video monitor. Another embodiment usingexisting television set is shown as system 119 in FIG. 11. The videooutput of device 110 is connected to an RF modulator 112 producing avideo signal carried over a television channel. The signal ismultiplexed with the existing TV signal by a splitter/combiner 114,whereby the multiplexed signal is fed to the television set 115. Theinformation received by the information device 110 may then be shown onone of the television channels. System 119 may be fed from any TV signalsource 116, which may be a set top box connected to a CATV or satellitenetwork, or local video source such as VCR and DVD players.

Information Personalization.

The information downloaded by an information device 10 can be generaland identical to all information devices 10 connected to a provider.Alternatively, the information can be ‘personalized’: differentinformation being tailored for the requirements of each user. Forexample, a user may be interested in the weather forecast in his localneighborhood, rather than nation-wide general weather forecast.

In order to support the providing of personalized information, theinformation server 32 needs to identify the calling device 10 and toaccordingly provide the relevant information. An information device 10may be individually identified or as part of a group, all group membersrequiring the same information type. Identification of a callinginformation device 10 (either as individual or as a group member) may becommunication related, such as:

-   -   a. Using Caller-ID: The user is identified by her calling        telephone number using Caller-ID feature. For example, by        identifying the caller telephone number, the provider can        associate a relevant geographical location (e.g. zip code info),        and provide weather forecast specifically for that location.    -   b. Time of dialing in: Each group (or individual) is assigned a        specific time for dialing in. Hence, by noting the calling time        the provider can associate and identify the caller or its group.        For example, all users calling between 2.00 AM and 2.10 AM are        all located in a specific geographical region, hence the        relevant weather forecast for that location will be provided.    -   c. Telephone number dialed: The provider uses a plurality of        telephone numbers, wherein the information is dependent upon the        telephone number called. For example, telephone number        XXX-XXX-XX01 will relate to a specific region or county, and        number XXX-XXX-XX02 to another defined geographical region.

In communication related identification, all the information devices 10are identical to each other, thus easy to manufacture and handle.

In alternative embodiments, the information 10 device transmits itsidentification as part of the communication session, during the startsession step 64. The identification may consist of:

-   -   a. A unique identification code (‘address’), associated with a        single information device 10. Such mechanism may be based on the        popular and standard IP/Ethernet MAC/IP address structure, or        may be of a proprietary nature. Similarly, a user name, password        and other personalization techniques known in the art may be        used.    -   b. A code identifying the type of information requested. In this        configuration, the information device 10 transmits a code that        identifies the required info rather than the individual user.        For example, a device 10 may request the info about the weather        in a specific location, and the results of a specific sport        event.

In both cases, each information device 10 may be different from otherones, having a specific identification value (or values). Furthermore,multiple communication sessions and the information types obtained maybe different for the same device 10 during different sessions based onparameters or values. Such values (or parameters) may be assigned to thedevice by any of the following:

-   -   a. Production set. In this configuration, the identification        value is set during production and cannot be modified later.    -   b. User set. In this scenario the user may change the        identification value. Such programming may use the device        controls 16 or a dedicated setting interface (not shown).    -   c. Provider set. In this case the provider may, during        communication session, access and modify the identification        value.

The above identification mechanism may also serve for authorization andbilling purposes. After the above values or parameters are set, allfollowing communication sessions will use the set parameters/values.

Community Application.

While personalization has been described above relating to a singleuser/information device, the same may be applied to a group ofusers/information devices. Such community may all be personalized for aspecific type of information, either exclusively or in addition toanother information (which may also be individually personalized ornot). For example, all students in a school may subscribe toschool-related information such as no-school announcements. Similarly, amunicipality may broadcast emergency information to all its residents.In addition to geographically grouping, interest-based groups may beformed, allowing all group members to obtain the same informationsimultaneously.

While the personalization related apparatus and method has been so fardescribed with respect to information device 10, it will be appreciatedthat such apparatuses and methods are applicable to other types ofdevices, including any devices which automatically or periodicallycommunicate with a remote location.

Cellular Connection.

While the invention has been so far described with respect to wiredtelephone connection, it should be understood that the invention can beequally applied to any other telephone connection, including non-wiredbased telephone service such as cellular telephony. Information device120 modified to use a cellular telephone service rather than wiredtelephony is shown in FIG. 12. The dial up modem 15 (together with thewired connection cable 21 and connector 22) are eliminated andsubstituted with a cellular modem 121, connected to a cellular antenna122. In such a configuration, the information device 120 uses thecellular medium to communication with the information provider.

FIG. 13 shows another embodiment where, instead of a dedicated cellularmodem 121 and antenna 122, a cellular telephone set 132 is used as thecommunication means. While the mechanical and electrical connections tothe telephone set 132 may be fixed, this limits the usage of thetelephone set 132 as a mobile device. In a one preferred embodiment, thecellular telephone set 132 is detachable from the device 130. Cellularadaptor 131 is used to electrically mediate between the device 130 andthe cellular telephone 132. This mediation can make use of knownimplementations commonly used for telephone cradles and ‘hands-free’systems.

In the case wherein a cellular telephone set 132 is used as thecommunication means, and assuming this is the sole communication means,the information device 130 may be required to operate only uponattaching the cellular telephone set 132 thereto. Since cellulartelephone sets 132 commonly require periodic charging time, the device130 may be modified to comprise such a charger. In such configuration,attaching a cellular telephone set 132 to an information device supportstwo functions: charging and communication. Such a device 140 is shown inFIG. 14. The power supply 13 feeds a charger 141, connected to thecellular telephone 132 via the adaptor 131. An exemplary pictorial viewis shown in FIG. 15. Mechanical adaptor 152 is shown, enabling attachingand detaching the cellular telephone set 132 to the information device140. Upon attaching the telephone set 132, the telephone is charged andmay be also used by the device 140 for communication purposes.

In one or more embodiments, the information device 120 is partially orfully integrated with the cellular telephone set 132. All the functionsof the device 120 are available in a cellular telephone set 132. Thenumber keys and other function buttons can also serve as controls 16,and existing visual indicators may doubly function as indicators 17.Since commonly cellular telephone set 132 comprises at least smallalphanumeric screen for displaying the dialed number, this screen candoubly function as display means 13. Similarly, the microcontrollercontrolling the telephone set 132 functions can double to perform thecontrol unit 14. As such, adding the information device 120functionality to an existing design of a telephone set 132 may onlyrequire software update in order to execute at least part of flow chart60. While the invention has been described above with respect tocellular telephone set, it will be appreciated that PDA (PersonalDigital Assistant) may be equally used. Such a device 150 is shown inFIG. 15a , involving PDA 151. In one or more embodiments, the PDAcharger is included in the device 150. In one or more embodiments, thePDA 151 is used as communication means, utilizing its built-incommunication means (e.g. cellular modem, wireless modem or wirednetwork connection). In one or more embodiments, the PDA 151 doubles toimplement part or all of the information device 10 functionalities.Similarly, other devices may be employed with the information device 10.Furthermore, multiple devices may be employed either independently or incombination, as shown in FIG. 15b describing an information device 155and both a PDA 151 and cellular telephone set 132.

Broadband Connection: ADSL.

While the invention has been so far described with respect to caseswherein the connection to the information provider uses dial-up orcellular telephony, it will be appreciated that any connection may beused, either narrow- or broadband, and being either wired-based orwireless. One common telephone-line based broadband connection uses xDSL(Digital Subscriber Line) technology. ADSL (Asymmetric DSL) is popularfor residential and office connections. Other versions include VDSL(Very high speed DSL), RADSL (Rate Adaptive DSL), HDSL (High speed DSL)and others. While ADSL will be discussed hereinafter, any other xDSL mayas well be used.

An information device 160 comprising an ADSL modem 161 is shown in FIG.16. The ADSL modem 161 substitutes the dial-up modem 15 described above,still connecting via a telephone connection. In one or more embodiments,the information device 160 periodically initiates physical layer ADSLconnection, and disconnect the connection upon session completion. Suchimplementation requires a ‘start up’ period for modem training in thebeginning of each such session. However, multiple ADSL modems mayconnect to a single telephone connection one at a time. Alternativeembodiments use the ‘always on’ feature of the ADSL connection, whereinthe physical layer ADSL connection is always on, but higher layersremain inoperative until being ‘logged on’ by the connected device. Inthis case, there is no need for any ‘start up’ period, but no other ADSLmodem can concurrently use the telephone connection.

Similar to the above description, the information device can beintegrated with any other device having ADSL modem such as stand-alonededicated ADSL modem, Residential Gateway and so forth.

Broadband Connection: CATV.

Another popular broadband connection is based on the CATV (CableTelevision) cabling, dedicating part of the carried spectrum to datanetworking in addition to the video channels. Most available systems arebased on CableLabs™ DOCSIS standards. Information device 170 comprisinga cable modem 171 is shown in FIG. 17. The device 170 shown comprisesvideo adapter 111 for connecting to an external video display. However,built in display means 13 may alternatively be used. The cable modem 171typically connects to a CATV outlet for connecting to the CATVin-building wiring, connected in turn to external CATV signal source172, for coupling to the data channel carried over the CATV wiring.

FIG. 17 further illustrates a system 179, wherein the television set isused for both displaying the video channels carried as part of the CATVnetwork, and as a display means of the information received by theinformation device 170. The splitter/combiner 114 combines the videosignal from the information device 170 modulated by the RF modulator 112with the CATV video channels enabling displaying of all channels in thetelevision set 115 (it is assumed that the television set is ‘CableReady’ and there is no need for converter or set top box). The variouscomponents shown, such as the information device 170, the RF modulator112 and the splitter/combiner 114 may be in full or in part integratedinto television set, to a set top box or to a stand alone cable modem.

While the invention has been so far described with respect to modemembedded within the information device 10 which connects directly to theremote server 32, it will be appreciated that such external connection(either narrow or broadband, Local- or Wide area network) may be sharedwith other networked appliances over a home network. As known in theart, in such a configuration a single device, commonly known asResidential Gateway connects to the external connection, wherebymultiple in-home appliances share this external pipe by means of anin-home network. Home networks may use dedicated wiring commonly knownas ‘structured wiring’ and employing Ethernet IEEE802.3 protocols. Otherimplementations involve wireless RF based network such as standardizedin IEEE802.11x or BlueTooth. Other alternatives involve using existingwiring structure such as telephone wiring (e.g. HomePNA technology),powerlines (e.g. HomePlug) and CATV wiring. Adapting the informationdevice 10 to support a home network basically requires substituting thedial-up modem 15 with a modem appropriate for the home network media,such as Ethernet transceiver for wired Ethernet network. IEEE802.11xwireless transceiver or HomePlug compliant transceiver.

Provider Push.

While the invention has been so far described with respect to ‘userpull’, wherein the periodic communication session is initiated by theinformation device 10, it will be appreciated that the communicationsessions can be equally initiated by the information provider (‘providerpush’). In such a case, the communication can be charged to the provider(being the call initiator) and not to the user. In one or moreembodiments, the provider server 32 a (together with the provider sitedial-up modem 15 a) executes the flow chart 180 shown in FIG. 18. Afterstarting (e.g. power up or reset) step 181 the server 32 a executes step182 which results in waiting until expiry of the time to the nextsession schedule as explained above. Then the server initiates a call aspart of the step 183, and starts the session in step 184. During thecommunication session the pre-defined information is transmitted (step185) to the user information device 10. After the required informationhas been submitted, the server 32 a disconnects and the communicationsession is terminated. This operational sequence is periodicallyrepeated as explained above.

In the case of ‘provider push’ the operational sequence executed by theinformation device 10 is similar to the ‘user pull’ sequence describedabove in flow chart 60 (shown in FIG. 6). The modified flow chart 190 isshown in FIG. 19. Rather than initiating a call, the device 10 waitsuntil being called by the provider as shown in step 192. Session start192, and receive information 195 respectively correlates with theprovider states 184 start session 184 and send information 185. Thereceived information is stored (step 196). Thereafter the communicationsession is ended 197 and the communication disconnected 198, as aresponse to provider disconnect call step 186. Then the information isdisplayed 199, and the device 10 rests until the next sessioninitiation.

In the case wherein ‘always on’ broadband connection type is employedsuch as ADSL or cable modem, the provider can initiate the communicationsession by accessing the device 10 identification value, as discussedabove. In the case wherein the Internet is used, the IP (InternetProtocol) address of the device 10 may be used to target the informationto a specific device 10.

In the case wherein telephone connection (such as landline or cellulartelephony) is used for linking the provider server 32 a to a userinformation device 10, an inherent unique telephone number is assignedto each such connection: a telephone number for a cellular telephone setand a telephone number for each landline telephone connection. In such acase, the provider server 32 a dials the telephone number assigned tothe information device 10, using dial up modem 15 a, in order toestablish the communication link.

In the case the telephone connection is solely used by the informationdevice 10, no other entities may respond to the provider dialing insignal. Such configuration may be expensive since the telephoneconnection costs are not shared. However, in the case wherein multipleappliances share the same connection, such as in a residence whereinmultiple telephone sets (or answering or facsimile machines) areconnected in parallel to the same telephone lines, calling in willpossibly interfere with the normal operation. Furthermore, calling inwill produce a disturbing telephone ringing. In a similar way, regularcellular telephony service may be disturbed.

In one or more embodiments, the information device 10 is caller-IDcapable and can identify the calling provider telephone number (ornumbers). The device 10 responds immediately to an incoming call only ifthe information provider call is identified, and is silent in all othercalls. Hence, minimum intervention with the regular telephony (eitherlandline or cellular) is obtained.

While the invention has been so far described with respect to exclusive‘user pull’ or ‘provider push’, wherein in the former the user device 10initiates the call and in the latter the provider server 32 a initiatesthe call, it will be appreciated that any combination of both may alsobe considered. In one or more such embodiments, the user device 10initiates the call and starts communication session. During the session,the server 32 a identifies the device 10 calling number eitherautomatically by Caller-ID or by the information sent to the server 32a. As a response, the server 32 a initiates a call to this number(either immediately or after a pre-defined delay) and starts a sessionas described above. One advantage of such mechanism is that the longersession is billed to the provider (being the caller) and not to theuser. While the ‘provider-push’ apparatus and method has been so fardescribed with respect to information device 10, it will be appreciatedthat such apparatuses and methods are applicable to other types ofdevices, including any devices which automatically or periodicallycommunicate with a remote location.

Business Method.

The entities involved in the business aspects of the information deviceaccording to the invention are described in diagram 200 in FIG. 20. Thevendor 203 provides the information device 10, and may be the actualmanufacturer (either directly or via subcontracting) of the device. Theuser 201 may purchase the information device 10 through any distributionchannels 202, such as wholesale or retail stores. However, the user mayor may not be the owner of the device 10. However, the terms ‘user’ and‘owner’ are used interchangeably hereinafter. Any distribution channeldealing with electronic or electrical appliances, in particular thosechannels involving distribution of communication equipment, may includethe information device 10 as part of their product portfolio. Generally,any business model or method used to in distributing appliances may beused for the information device 10.

In the cases described below wherein the information device 10 is notself-contained dedicated device but rather is integrated with otherappliances such as telephone set 100, cellular telephone set 132 or PDA,the same business channels and methods used for distributing theattached appliance may be used for the added information device 10functionality, either for free (as improved appliance) or for increasedprice.

In order to allow for the communication session to take place, theinformation device 10 connects to the ‘external’ world by connectionthrough a communication service provider 204. In the case of connectingusing dial-up (or ISDN) modem as well as ADSL modem, the communicationservice provider is the local telephone company (‘telco’) owning theconnecting telephone wiring. In the case of cellular modem, the cellulartelephone company is the communication service provider 204. Similarly,the CATV provider is the communication service provider in the case ofDOCSIS based cable modem. The information server 32, owned by theinformation provider 206, may be directly connected to (e.g. through thePSTN), such as described in configurations 30 and 50 above. In otherembodiments, the Internet is used for communication between theinformation device 10 and the information server 32. In such a case,Information Service Provider (ISP) 206 is involved for connecting theuser to the Internet.

In addition to the equipment cost, the costs associated with theoperation of the information device are as follows:

-   -   a. Communication service. The costs associated with the        communication sessions.    -   b. ISP, in the case of using the Internet.    -   c. Information service. The costs associated with operating the        information provider's site, including obtaining the        information, storing it and allowing for communication with the        information devices 10.

In general, these costs are to be covered by the user 201, as describedbelow.

Communication Service Costs.

a. In one or more business methods, the information device 10 uses nouser associated cost communication, such as toll-free (1-800 numbers inthe U.S.). In such a case, the communication cost is usually paid for bythe vendor 203.

b. In one or more business methods, wherein the information device 10uses direct communication method such as PSTN wherein the informationdevice 10 dials an associated specific information provider 206 number,the information provides 206 may use a service paid number, such as areacode 900 in the U.S.

c. In one or more business methods, the user 201 pays to thecommunication service provider 204 for the communication services. Forexample, in the case wherein the information device 10 uses telephonycommunication method such as PSTN or cellular telephony, communicationcharge are imposed by the provider 204. Since periodical calls areinitiated, a constant and continuous charge is incurred.

Such Added Revenue Per User (ARPU) is mostly beneficial to mostcommunication service provider, since the additional revenues do notrequire any additional infrastructure investment. As such, a businessmethod wherein the communication service provider (e.g. Telco) 204provides the information device 10 for nominal cost or even lower thannominal (e.g. free) is viable, wherein the ARPU covers the initial costafter a time.

Furthermore, since in some embodiments the dialing time may be set to bein low telephone traffic periods (e.g. nights, weekends), the additionaltraffic due to information device 10 initiated traffic do not degradethe regular service and does not require any upgrade or additionalinvestment in the existing infrastructure.

In general, billing the user 201 for communication services by theprovider 204 may be:

-   -   a. One time fee.    -   b. Flat fee for a period (e.g. monthly).    -   c. Per communication session.    -   d. Per lengths of communication sessions.    -   e. Any combination of the above.

Furthermore, the provider 204 may use a contract to provide the user 201with the information device 10, in order to ‘lock’ for a predeterminedperiod (wherein changing provider will result in a fee). Such a model iscommonly employed by many communication service providers in order toreduce churn (e.g. cellular telephone service providers with respect tocellular telephone set).

The business methods associated with selling via distribution channels202 (e.g. retail store) commonly involve changing ownership of theinformation device 10, wherein after completion of the buyingtransaction the device 10 is fully owned by the user 201. However,common to other communication service associated devices, one or morebusiness methods involved the ownership of an information device 10 maycomprise owning by the communication service provider. Such a model iscommonly used regarding Set Top Boxes provided by CATV providers. Insome of these methods, the user is requested to pay a periodic (e.g.monthly) fee for renting the device.

In one or more business methods, the information device 10 may comprisea unique addressing means, allowing it to communicate only through aspecific service provider. This is similar to cellular telephone setswhich may work only in conjunction with a specific cellular telephonyprovider.

ISP Service Costs.

ISP 205 is required wherein the communication uses the Internet.However, the term ISP should be interpreted to include any network(additional to the communication network described above) required to beused in order to access the server 32. All business methods describedabove with respect to communication service provider 204 may equally beemployed with respect to ISPs. The costs associated with the ISP 205 mayalso be covered by the vendor 203. Most ISPs charge a flat fee for theirservices.

Information Service Costs.

a. Free information service. In this case, there is no cost to the user201 due to the information obtained. Most existing Internet web pagesare available at no charge, including most of the major newspaper andradio/TV news stations. Hence, in one or more embodiments, theinformation device 10 may download information from such web pages. Inone or more embodiments, the vendor 203 serves also as informationprovider 206 (line 207). For example, the vendor 203 may operate a webpage containing information to be downloaded to the information devices10.

b. Commercial publication based service. In this case the informationobtained comprises publicity information. Such a business method iscommonly used in television and radio station broadcasting.

c. Paid information service. In this case the user 201 is charged forthe information obtained. In general, billing the user 201 forinformation services by the provider 206 may be:

-   -   a. One time fee.    -   b. Flat fee for a period (e.g. monthly).    -   c. Per communication session.    -   d. Per lengths of communication sessions.    -   e. Per the information required: Type and quantity.    -   f. Any combination of the above.

In order to allow such paid information the connecting informationdevice should be authorized to obtain the required information, such asa password or transmitting device address or other identification meansas described above and as known in the art.

The invention embraces any combination of the above embodiments.Furthermore, while the above business methods have been so far describedwith respect to the information device 10, it will be appreciated thatsuch methods are applicable to other types of devices, including anydevices which automatically or periodically communicate with a remotelocation.

Distinction Over Prior Art.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,442,573 to Schiller et al. describes a device whichautomatically and periodically communicates to obtain and displayinformation. However, the following aspects distinguish the presentinvention over Schiller et al.:

-   -   a. The system described by Schiller et al. is oriented towards        sending data (images) from one user to another through a        provider server, while the present invention relates to        information sent solely from a provider to a user.    -   b. In Schiller et al. the information received is considered        private and is solely targeted towards a specific user, and uses        secured mechanism in order not to be shared by any other users,        while the present invention refers to public information that        may be accessed by multiple users.    -   c. The information discussed by Schiller et al. comprises        images. Images are known to require large files, hence requiring        large memory and long communication sessions.

Furthermore, the display means oriented towards displaying imagesrequires high quality, high resolution and large screens. In contrast,the information transported as part of the present invention may be ofany type, such as simple text data requiring relatively small,low-resolution display means.

-   -   d. The system described by Schiller et al. is based on mail        delivery system over the Internet. No such limitation is imposed        by the present invention since no mailing services are        discussed.    -   e. The information transported in the system described by        Schiller et al. (e.g. the images) is generated by a user, and is        usually not of interest to the general public. The information        in the present invention is mostly oriented towards general        public (or a user's group) interest information, which in most        cases may be accessed through other communication channels.    -   f. The system described by Schiller et al. is based on multiple        devices working in concert (community/family type). Devices        according to the present invention are not related to each other        in any way.

There are many prior-art solutions known as ‘push technology’, such asby PointCast (currently Infogate Inc., of San-Diego, Calif. USA). Suchsolutions involve ‘pushing’ information to a personal computer via theInternet using an Internet browser. It will be appreciated that thepresent invention is distinguished over such solutions since a dedicateddevice is used rather than a personal computer. Furthermore, theinformation device according to the present invention is ‘always on’ andobtains the information continuously while a personal computer needs tobe manually turned on and the browser must be operative for obtainingdata.

Although exemplary embodiments of the present invention have beendescribed, this should not be construed to limit the scope of theappended claims. Those skilled in the art will understand that variousmodifications may be made to the described embodiment. Moreover, tothose skilled in the various arts, the invention itself a describedherein will suggest solutions to other tasks and adaptations for otherapplications. It is therefore desired that the present embodiments beconsidered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive,reference being made to appended claims rather than the foregoingdescription to indicate the scope of the invention.

1. A device for obtaining, storing and displaying digital video datafrom a first remote information server via the Internet over a LocalArea Network (LAN), said device comprising: a LAN connector forconnecting to the LAN; a LAN transceiver coupled to said LAN connectorfor bi-directional packet-based digital data communication with anotherLAN transceiver of the same type over the LAN; a first memory coupled tosaid LAN transceiver for storing digital video data received by said LANtransceiver; a video display for visually presenting information, saiddisplay being coupled to said first memory for displaying the digitalvideo data stored in the first memory; and a single enclosure housingsaid LAN connector, said LAN transceiver, said first memory and saiddisplay, said single enclosure having dimensions and an appearance of aconventional flat, wall-mountable framed picture, wherein said device isaddressable in the LAN, and said device is operative for communicatingvia the LAN with the first remote information server via the Internetfor receiving digital video data from the first remote informationserver, and for storing and displaying digital video data obtained fromthe first remote information server.
 2. The device according to claim 1,wherein said device is operative for automatically and periodicallycommunicating with the first remote information server at all times whensaid device is in operation.
 3. The device according to claim 1, furthercomprising a second memory for storing a digital address uniquelyidentifying said device in the LAN.
 4. The device according to claim 1,wherein said device is operative to send the digital address and arequest for information, and to obtain and display digital video datafrom the first remote information server in response to the sent requestfor information.
 5. The device according to claim 1, wherein said deviceis configured for wall mounting in a residential building, and the firstremote information server is located outside the residential building.6. The device according to claim 1, wherein communication over the LANis based on IEEE802.3 standard; said LAN connector is a RJ-45 typeconnector; and said LAN transceiver is an Ethernet transceiver.
 7. Thedevice according to claim 1, wherein said display comprises a flatscreen that is based on Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) technology.
 8. Thedevice according to claim 1, wherein said display is an analog videodisplay.
 9. The device according to claim 8, wherein said display iscoupled to said first memory via a composite video interface, and thecomposite video interface is one of a PAL and an NTSC interface.
 10. Thedevice according to claim 1, wherein said device is further operative toreceive and play television channels.
 11. The device according to claim1, wherein said device is further operative to receive and display HighDefinition (HD) video, and said video display is operative to displayHigh Definition (HD) video.
 12. The device according to claim 11,wherein the High Definition (HD) video is High Definition Television(HDTV).
 13. The device according to claim 1, wherein said first memoryis non-volatile.
 14. The device according to claim 1, wherein said firstmemory is based on one of: a Flash memory; a DRAM memory; and a RAMmemory.
 15. The device according to claim 1, further comprising abattery, and wherein said device is operative to be at least in partpowered from said battery, and said battery is a primary or rechargeablebattery.
 16. The device according to claim 1, further comprisingfirmware and a processor for executing said firmware, said processorbeing coupled to control at least said LAN transceiver and said videodisplay.
 17. The device according to claim 16, wherein said processor isone of: a microprocessor; and a microcomputer, and said device furthercomprises at least one user operated button or switch coupled to saidprocessor, for user control of operation of said device.
 18. The deviceaccording to claim 17, wherein the user control of operation of saiddevice comprises at least one out of: turning said device on and off;resetting said device to default values; changing the contrast of saiddisplay; changing the brightness of said display; changing the zoom ofimages presented on said display; selecting a language; and selectingthe information to be presented on said display.
 19. The deviceaccording to claim 16, wherein said firmware includes at least part of aweb client for communication with, and accessing information stored in,the remote information server.
 20. The device according to claim 19,wherein said at least part of a web client includes at least part of agraphical web browser.
 21. The device according to claim 20, whereinsaid at least part of a graphical web browser is based on WindowsInternet Explorer.
 22. The device according to claim 1, wherein thefirst remote information server is organized as a website having aUniform Resource Locator (URL) and including web pages as part of theWorld Wide Web (WWW), and is further identified by said device using thewebsite URL.
 23. The device according to claim 1, wherein said device isoperative for communicating with a second remote information server viathe Internet for receiving information therefrom, and for storing anddisplaying the received information from the second remote informationserver.
 24. The device according to claim 23, wherein said device isadapted to communicate with the first and second remote informationservers for obtaining selected and distinct information from each remoteinformation server.
 25. The device according to claim 24, wherein saiddevice communicates with the first and second remote servers one at atime.
 26. The device according to claim 1, wherein communication withthe first remote information server is based on Internet protocol suite.27. The device according to claim 26, wherein communication with thefirst remote information server is based on TCP/IP.
 28. The deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein said device is operative to initiate acommunication with the first remote information server on a daily basisat a pre-set time of day (TOD).
 29. The device according to claim 28,wherein the pre-set time of day is at least one of: set by the user; setpreviously in the device; and set by the remote information server in aprevious communication session.
 30. The device according to claim 1,wherein the information received from the first remote informationserver and displayed on the video display relates to a future event, aplanned activity, or a forecast of a situation.
 31. The device accordingto claim 30, wherein the information received from the first remoteinformation server includes at least one of: a weather forecast; afuture sports event; a future culture event; a future entertainmentevent; a TV station guide; and a radio station guide.
 32. The deviceaccording to claim 1, further comprising a second memory for storing adigital address uniquely identifying said device in the LAN or on theInternet.
 33. The device according to claim 32, wherein the digitaladdress is either a MAC address or an IP address.
 34. The deviceaccording to claim 1, wherein said device is further operative to storeand play digital audio data.
 35. The device according to claim 1,wherein: said device is further operative to receive and displayinformation from a connected unit; said device further comprises asecond connector coupled to said first memory for connecting said firstmemory to the unit; and said device is operative to receive digital datacomprising information from the unit and to display the information onsaid video display.
 36. The device according to claim 35, wherein saiddevice is further operative to transmit digital data to the unit. 37.The device according to claim 36, wherein communication with the unitvia said second connector is carried out using a serial digital datastream.
 38. The device according to claim 35, further comprising: an ACpower plug connectable to an AC power source; and a power supplyconnected to said AC power plug to be powered by power supplied by theAC power source and to provide DC power for DC powering said firstmemory and said video display, wherein said second connector is furthercoupled to said power supply for supplying DC power to the unit via saidsecond connector.
 39. The device according to claim 38, wherein: theunit is a battery operated unit having a battery; and said power supplyfurther comprises a charger for charging the battery of the batteryoperated unit.
 40. The device according to claim 35, wherein the unit isa handheld unit; and said device is further adapted to mechanicallydock, supply power to, and communicate with the handheld unit.
 41. Thedevice according to claim 40, in combination with a cradle in which thehandheld unit is detachably mounted, the handheld unit having a matingconnector, and wherein said second connector is part of said cradle, andsaid second connector connects with the mating connector of the handheldunit when the handheld unit is mounted in said cradle.
 42. The deviceaccording to claim 41, wherein the handheld unit is a Personal DigitalAssistant (PDA), or a cellular telephone.
 43. The device according toclaim 1, wherein said device is further operative as a clock formaintaining and displaying the current hour, minute and second.
 44. Thedevice according to claim 43, wherein said device is further operativeto display the current year, the current month and the current day ofthe month.
 45. The device according to claim 1, wherein said singleenclosure is constructed to have at least one of the following: a formsubstantially similar to that of a standard picture frame; wall mountingelements substantially similar to those of a standard picture frame forhanging on a wall; and a shape to at least in part substitute for astandard picture frame.